Using a clay mask is a great way to take care of your skin and ease common skin concerns, so it is popular among people of all ages. However, the reality is that many people aren’t using clay masks properly. They either use them too often, don’t use them enough, or they just aren’t doing what they need to do. 

 

It’s comforting to know that clay masks have been used for a long time. But before diving in, you will need to find the right mask. 

 

Many clay masks are specially formulated based on several factors, including your skin type, your age, your problem areas, your climate, and the other products that you use. Finding the perfect mask is a balancing act, but it’s totally worth it.

 

Let’s find out how it’s done.

 

How Often Should You Use A Clay Face Mask?

 

Most clay masks aren’t formulated for everyday use. As with all skincare rules, how often you use a mask depends on your skin and the product that you’re using. 

 

Most people have delicate skin that tolerates one to two clay masks a week, so it’s best to space out your masking to ensure your efforts are successful. However, some people with tougher skin can handle masking three or four times per week.  

 

The best thing you can do is research. Read the packaging to see how often the manufacturer recommends the mask and go from there. It largely depends on the active ingredients in the clay mask and how your skin reacts to them. 

 

Another thing to consider is your daily life and schedule. If you are experiencing a certain level of stress, now might be the right time to start incorporating a clay mask to boost your self-care regimen.

 

If you are working in a busy city, you may need to use a cleansing mask more often.

 

If you have dry skin, you may not be able to use clay masks as often as other people do. A clay mask is likely to dry out your skin even more than other types. When you’re struggling with dry skin, be sure to apply a good moisturizer and avoid thicker masks to preserve the moisture you have.

 

If you have mature skin, apply a clay mask no more than twice per week. As masks can dry out your skin, this dryness might make your skin appear even older and bring out the fine lines and wrinkles you most likely are trying to hide.

 

Now, as far as how long you should leave the mask on, follow the packaging instructions. While most clay masks are somewhat similar, they do vary, and you want to get the best results possible.

 

In general, you shouldn’t leave the mask on for longer than 15 minutes. If you wear the mask for a shorter amount of time, you may be able to use the mask on a more frequent basis. And masking is relaxing, so we all want to squeeze it in when we can.

Other Clay Face Mask Mistakes You May Be Making

 

You may be using your clay mask with the best of intentions, but sometimes, we all fall prey to making minor mistakes in our application that cost us hard-earned skincare results. There are some common mistakes that you may be making with your clay mask, so let’s explore what they could be. 

 

Mistake: You’re using the wrong kind of face mask. 

 

People often think that any mask that looks good is going to work for their skin. And this usually isn’t the case. While a hydrating mask may be suitable for one person with dry skin, it won’t work for another person with super oily skin. Make sure that you’re choosing the products that are going to work best for you. 

 

There are three types of clay used in clay masks (kaolin, montmorillonite, and Moroccan lava), and each one has a different use. Some clay masks will brighten the skin and eliminate impurities, whereas others are meant to combat oil and shine. So, you have to choose what works best for your beautiful skin.

 

Mistake: You Aren’t Washing Your Hands Before You Mask. 

 

You need to wash your hands before applying your mask, even if you aren’t using your fingers to apply it. A clean flat foundation brush is the best way to prevent spreading dirt and grime across your face. It also makes cleanup a lot easier. 

 

Mistake: You Are Applying Your Mask Over Makeup and Dirt. 

 

You need to cleanse your skin before you apply a mask, too. Your skin should be free from dirt, bacteria, and makeup. If not, your clay mask won’t be able to penetrate your skin deeply and remove the impurities you’re targeting.

 

Mistake: You Aren’t Reading the Instructions: 

 

It’s pretty easy to apply a clay mask, but the instructions for individual masks differ quite a bit. Remember, even slight differences make a difference. So read the instructions on the packaging to ensure that you know what you are doing.

 

Some masks tell you to apply them to a wet face, whereas others should be applied to dry skin. Should you use upwards motions, downwards motions, or circular motions? It all matters.

 

Mistake: You Aren’t Using the Right Amount of Product. 

 

Another reason to read the label is that it will tell you how much to use. Some people won’t use enough of their mask, and it will be spread too thin across the skin and not have the maximum effects. On the other hand, if you use too much, the mask won’t dry properly. 

 

Mistake: You Aren’t Washing It Off Properly. 

 

Use gentle, warm water to wash off your mask. Don’t use a cleanser or micellar water to remove a clay mask.

 

Mistake: You Are Masking At The Wrong Time. 

 

You shouldn’t put on a clay mask when you are so tired that you may fall asleep, as this could create a ton of problems. Sometimes, mask instructions will tell you when the best time to apply it is, while others won’t.

 

You can pretty much apply a clay mask at any time, but it is best to wear it when you have taken your makeup off for the day and when you don’t need to go anywhere for a few hours, as some masks might make your skin red.

 

Mistake: You Aren’t Spot Testing. 

 

If you have sensitive skin, you absolutely need to spot test on your forearm or neck before trying the mask on your face. This helps to prevent embarrassing redness.

 

Mistake: You Leave It on For Too Long. 

 

Once again, make sure to read the bottle. If you keep your clay mask on for too long, you could be doing more damage than good to your beautiful, delicate skin. Your mask could dry out your skin, cause irritation, and even tear your skin when you take it off! The first few times you mask, err on the side of caution and wear it for the minimum recommended time.

 

Mistake: You Aren’t Following Up. 

 

While a mask is quite effective on its own, you need to follow it up with a moisturizer, or you could fall victim to dry skin. Use a moisturizer developed for your skin, and use it on the areas where you put the mask first. Some problem areas where people forget to moisturize include the nose, eyebrow area, and under the chin.

 

Mistake: You Are Using the Same Mask All Over Your Face. 

 

There are distinct areas of your face that have different problems. You may want to section off your face and use different clay masks to target oily areas, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and dry areas, for example. Some people will mix and match and apply two to three masks to their faces at a time.

 

Mistake: You Aren’t Prepping Your Skin. 

 

Before you put on a mask, you need to prep your face. Some masks will require you to steam your skin, so you open your pores for the mask to adhere better. Others will tell you to ensure that your skin is bone dry for better results.

 

What Does A Clay Face Mask Do?

 

When you use a clay face mask, you are probably going to be targeting a specific problem. For example, you may want to exfoliate your skin, clear up acne, remove impurities, or reverse the signs of aging.

 

The mask packaging will tell you more about what your face mask has been formulated to do.

 

In general, a facial mask that contains clay will offer the following benefits:

 

• •  Helping pores appear smaller

 

• •  Absorbing oil and dirt

 

• •  Hydrating the outermost layers of the skin

 

• •  Improving the appearance of the texture and tone of the skin

 

• •  Minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

 

• •  Softening and smoothing skin

 

• •  Brightening and tightening the appearance of the skin, particularly around the jawline

 

• •  Helping to increase elasticity within the skin

 

• •  Clearing up acne

 

• •  Reducing the appearance of under-eye bags

In Summary: Read the Bottle

 

All clay masks are unique, so it’s important to read the bottle and the packaging of the product that you use. Even more importantly, listen to your skin. Clay masks are a bit harsh at times, and not all skin types respond well.

 

Luckily, Gleamin’s Vitamin C Clay Mask is formulated to work on all skin types. When unsure, look at the packaging and the website where you brought the product to find the best approach.

 

With some clay masks, you will need to finesse to get the right mixture, so don’t be afraid to try a few things. Remember to choose an all-natural quality clay mask that will give you the chance to soak up all the benefits your radiant skin deserves.

 

Sources:

 

https://www.healthline.com/health/clay-mask-benefits

 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5632318/

 

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318508286